Educational Programs

Looking for a unique educational opportunity your students will be talking about for years to come?  Join the hundreds of student groups who book customized educational programs at beautiful Cypress Gardens. Our expert staff will ensure your students walk away with a true, hands-on education they will always remember.

Advance reservations are required for all field trips. (see field trip options)
For more information, contact Traci Cook at (843) 553-0515 or
email:  tcook@berkeleycountysc.gov

Each program is designed for 15 - 25 students at a time, lasts 30 - 45 minutes, and can be adapted for most ages and abilities.

The following are program descriptions only, for prices, number of programs included with each type of trip, etc., see field trip options.

Programs in Park Classroom

Herps Alive

Students are introduced to reptiles and amphibians through the use of live animals, bones, skins, and discussion. This hands-on lecture compares these two classes of animals.

Birds of a Feather

Students learn about the wide variety of adaptations in birds and their use in identification. They are then led on an outdoor bird search using binoculars.

Fossil Dig

This program defines fossils and their formation in the changing South Carolina landscape. Students are able to search outside in the sand for real fossils and keep their finds.

Programs in Park Nature Center

From Worms To Wings

This program examines the life cycle and ecology of butterflies using both live and preserved specimens. The lesson continues at the giant butterfly sculpture and includes a tour of the Butterfly House.

Fish Story

Using skulls and mounts, this program explores the various features of fish that are necessary for life under water. Students are also given a tour of our Swamparium to see live examples.

Flower Power

Students discover why plants have flowers and fruit and why some are carnivorous. Then they tour the gardens in and around the Butterfly House to find examples of what they have learned.

Big Bug Hunt

Students explore rotting logs to discover native arthropods at work in the food chain. They will then view exotic examples such as tarantulas, giant millipedes, or hissing cockroaches.

Programs Outside or in Exhibits

Swamp Safari

The best way to see a swamp is by boat. Enjoy a safe ride through the black water as our staff paddles large flat-bottom boats among the cypress trees. Look for alligators, turtles and birds. *Only included in school-year morning trip, please phone for availability and price with other trips.

Dip Netting

Students can fish from the edge of the swamp with long-handled strainers for the entire program. They are able to study aquatic life close up and identify the plants, fish, and insects that they have captured.

Blow Up The Swamp

The program begins with a short session of dip netting, then students view their catch magnified through a video scope (in park classroom or nature center). Adaptations and life cycles are discussed.

Creature Feature

See more and have your questions answered on this guided tour of the Butterfly House and Swamparium. Good for groups who won't have time to visit these buildings as a self-guided activity after the programs, they can tour them as one of their guided programs (if they didn't choose programs that include tours already).